How Well Do You Know Urdu Vocabulary?

Urdu, a beautifully poetic language, holds a significant place in the cultural landscape of South Asia. Originating from the Indo-Aryan language family, Urdu emerged during the medieval period as a language of intercultural communication and artistic expression. It has since become the national language of Pakistan and one of the 22 scheduled languages of India.

Urdu’s development can be traced back to the 13th century, when it evolved as a blend of Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and various regional languages spoken in the Indian subcontinent. The language thrived under the Mughal Empire, where it became a language of the court, literature, and intellectual discourse.

One of the most distinctive features of the Urdu language is its enchanting script, Nastalq. This calligraphic style adds an element of elegance to the written word, making Urdu poetry and literature visually captivating. It is worth noting that Urdu is written from right to left, similar to other right-to-left scripts in the region.

Urdu poetry, known as “Shayari” or “Ghazal,” is renowned for its deep emotional expression and romantic themes. Poets like Mir Taqi Mir, Ghalib, and Allama Iqbal have left an indelible mark on Urdu literature, enriching its artistic heritage and cultural significance.

Urdu is celebrated for its inclusivity, acting as a unifying force among diverse linguistic and ethnic communities in South Asia. It has been a bridge of communication between people speaking different languages, fostering cultural exchange and social cohesion.

While Urdu is commonly associated with Pakistan, it also plays a vital role in India, especially in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, where it is one of the official languages. Urdu is widely spoken by millions of people in both countries and holds immense cultural value for the communities that embrace it.

The influence of Urdu extends beyond South Asia, with diaspora communities in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Gulf region keeping the language alive and vibrant. This global reach enhances Urdu’s significance as a language of connection and cultural identity.

Below are a few languages that are related to Urdu in that they also belong to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family:

This gentle and sophisticated language, with many of its words used to show respect and civility, is the national language of Pakistan. It is also an official language of India and one of the most critical languages for understanding the Afghanistan-Pakistan region as well as South Asia as a whole.

Did you know? The Urdu language is closely related to Hindi but is written in an extended Arabic script rather than in Devenagari, read and written from right to left.